Locally-cultivated herbal supply to be increased to meet growing demand

NST: The local herbal market is expected to be worth RM333.7 million a year by 2010, but is lacking sufficient supply locally.
As a result, herbs have to be imported to meet local demand, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry parliamentary secretary, Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim.
She added that local traditional herbal medicine manufacturers imported 65 per cent of their herbs which could be planted locally.
The balance comes from the 35 local factories which process the herbs.
Replying to a question by Datuk Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran), she said that at present, only 1,500 hectares, of which 50 per cent comprise small-holdings, are planted with the crop.
She also said that steps will be taken to ensure a constant demand for the herbs processed by local factories, while growers will be encouraged to practise "contract farming" to avoid any wastage.
She was replying to a question by Tan Sri Hew See Tong (BN-Kampar) who wanted to know the efforts being made to encourage and widen the market for herbal medicine at the national and international levels.
She said the herbal industry has good prospects in the local market, especially in the perfume, toiletries and cosmetics’ industries.
"Herbs are also supplied to health centres and spas which are increasing in number," she added.